B.N. Duke Scholars Announced

Eight recent high school graduates have been selected winners of the prestigious Benjamin N. Duke Scholarships, which are undergraduate merit awards at Duke University.

The awards cover full tuition, as well as a strong in-school leadership program to enhance their studies. The awards are presented annually by a faculty committee to students from North and South Carolina who demonstrate strong academic performance, outstanding leadership ability and community involvement. Based on estimated tuition rates, this scholarship is worth more than $100,000 to a student enrolled for four years.

This year's recipients are:

• Aleksandra Maria Chmielewski of Weaverville, N.C., a graduate of North Buncombe High School, and the daughter of Margaret and Thomas Chmielewski. She has participated in the North Carolina All-State & Honors Chorus, volunteered as a Spanish translator for Catholic Social Services, served as team captain of the girl=s varsity tennis team and is a founding member and soloist for the church youth choir. Chmielewski, who has also participated in Governor=s School, is interested in social theory.
• Devin Christopher Odom of Lexington, N.C., a graduate of Cental Davidson High School, and the son of Susan and Calvin Odom. He is president of the Central Davidson National Honor Society, assistant director for the Lexington Youth Theater, senior class president, Davidson County DARE Role Model, and was president of the Performing Arts Society. Odom, who is also a member of the National Honor Society, received the Eagle Scout Award and the Woodmen of The World Award. His academic interest is biomedical engineering.
• Erin Elizabeth Phillips of Chesterfield, S.C., a graduate of Chesterfield High School, and the daughter of Elizabeth and Clifford Phillips. She is a National Merit semi-finalist, was a member of the All-State Math Team, has served as president, secretary and treasurer for Student Government, is a co-founder and co-chair of the Coming Home Celebration, was chairperson of Canned Food Drive for Council on Aging, and was chairperson of the Senior Auction. Phillips, who also has participated in Adopt-a-Highway, is interested in public policy. 
• Caroline Brooks Renn of Greensboro, N.C., a graduate of Grimsley High School, and the daughter of Sue and Michael Renn. She was a National Merit semi-finalist, member of the National Honor Society, and member of the National Art Honor Society. Renn, a participant of the Duke Talent Identification Program, has volunteered to help build a house for a family in El Nino, Mexico, and painted murals for West Market Street United Methodist Church and at the Urban Ministries soup kitchen. Her academic interests included political science and languages.
• Julianna Troy Tabor of Chapel Hill, N.C., a graduate of Durham Academy, and the daughter of Anna and Stanley Tabor. She was the tri-captain of the field hockey team that won the 2001 NCISAA State Championship. In addition, Tabor participated in Experiment in International Living, volunteered in HUGS Camps for disabled children, and was awarded high honors in scholarship. Her academic interest is international business.
• Kosha Shonyetta Tucker of Louisburg, N.C., a graduate of Bunn High School, and the daughter of Dorraine and Willie Tucker. She was senior president of Beta Club, president of her church=s youth group, and served as a mock trial team attorney. Tucker, who is also a Ventures Scholar, is interested in mathematics.
• Anshu Verma of Greensboro, N.C., a graduate of Grimsley High School, and the daughter of Anita and Madan Verma. She is a member of the Guilford County Schools Character Education Student Advisory Board, co-president of Amnesty International and a member of the planning committee for Mayor=s Teen Summit 2001.Verma is also a member of the National Honor Society, a member of Amnesty International and has won four regional medals and one state medal in Science Olympiad. Her academic interests include biology and chemistry.
• Brian Christopher Vetter of Spartanburg, S.C., a graduate of Spartanburg High School, and the son of Susan Fisher and David Vetter. He is vice president of the Interact Service Club and serves as county party chairman and state senator of Palmetto Boy=s State. Vetter, who is also captain of the varsity football team, is a Mountainview Nursing Home Service Project Coordinator of the Tipper=s Club. His academic interests include economics and English.

The scholarships were established by The Duke Endowment to honor Benjamin N. Duke, who provided major support to Trinity College and later Duke University.

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